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Editor: Nelson Poirier    Proofreader: Louise Nichols

Saturday, 21 November 2020

Nov 21 2020

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, 21 November 2020 (Saturday)

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 Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

 Transcript by: Catherine Clements

 Info Line #: 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

 

**Peter Gadd in Miramichi comments it is hard to get a sense of just how many NORTERN CARDINALS there are in northeast NB at the moment. There seem to be many reports. Deana has seen that there are many reports (via eBird) along the Gaspé coast and the north shore of the St Lawrence even as far as Havre St. Pierre, north of Anticosti Island. On Friday, the Gadd's had 6 Northern Cardinals at their feeder yard, 3 male and 3 female! We often get Northern Cardinals show up at this time of year but not in the numbers we are seeing this year. Are we being to optimistic to call it a fallout!

The RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER that dropped in on the Gadds feeder yard sporadically earlier is now a regular. When a Red-bellied Woodpecker chooses a winter feeder yard, it can become very faithful. It is enjoying black oil sunflower seeds as well as peanuts and it seems to be stashing seeds in nearby tree bark. They have been fortunate to have PINE GROSBEAKS this week as well. There was a flock of 70 COMMON REDPOLLS at Miramichi Marsh enjoying Grey Birch catkins on Friday as well as a MERLIN which surprisingly paid little attention to the flock of redpolls.

The winter bird feeding season continues to look better and better!

 

 **Clarence Cormier reports that he had a flock of 15 PINE GROSBEAKS [Durbec des sapins] along his lane on Thursday in Grande-Digue, as well as a flock of 20 EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant]. He has 10 BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu], which he finds higher than other years, but a portion of Blue Jays do migrate, so that may reduce soon.

 

**Brian Stone tried again on Friday to get photos of the female EURASIAN WIGEON [Canard siffleur] that Richard Blacquiere found at the Hampton lagoon. It continued to be present but forecasted sun did not show for good photos.

As always, Brian noted other things. A MUSKRAT [Rat musqué] did a swim-by. He got some closer photos of the seemingly untouched COMMON BARBERRY [Épine-vinette] berries. We have two barberry species in New Brunswick: Common and JAPANESE [Épine-vinette du Japon]. The Common Barberry is the intermediate host of WHEAT RUST FUNGUS [Rouille jaune], so it is problematic around wheat-growing areas. Common Barberry has a serrated leaf edge, while Japanese has an entire leaf, and Common Barberry also has a three-barbed spine. There is a lot of barberry on Route 114 in Albert County, but I’m not sure of the species. Brian also photographed a RED-BELTED POLYPORE MUSHROOM [Polypore pinicole]. The outer edge is not red yet, as it is new growth. BALD EAGLES [Pygargue à tête blanche] were keeping an eye over the area. Brian also photographed groups of SHOVELER ducks [Canard souchet] showing plumage that suggests the males are still moving out of eclipse plumage and/or these are immature males. I noted the same scenario at Arthur Street lagoon in Memramcook last week.

 nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

 Nelson Poirier,

 Nature Moncton


COMMON REDPOLL. NOV 20, 2020. PETER GADD

COMMON REDPOLL. NOV 20, 2020. PETER GADD

COMMON REDPOLL FLOCK. NOV 20, 2020. PETER GADD

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (MALE). NOV 20, 2020. PETER GADD

MERLIN. NOV 20, 2020. PETER GADD

NORTHERN SHOVELER. NOV. 20, 2020

NORTHERN SHOVELERS. NOV. 20, 2020

AMERICAN ROBIN (JUVENILE). NOV. 20, 2020. BRIAN STONE

BALD EAGLES. NOV. 20, 2020. BRIAN STONE

MUSKRAT. NOV. 20, 2020. BRIAN STONE

COMMON BARBERRY FRUIT. NOV. 20, 2020. BRIAN STONE

 
RED-BELTED POLYPORE MUSHROOM. NOV. 20, 2020

Friday, 20 November 2020

Nov 20 2020

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, November 20, 2020 (Friday)

 

 

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Transcript by: Louise Nichols nicholsl@eastlink.ca

Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

 

** Mike Surette has been visiting his parents in the Kingswood subdivision and got a photo of a warbler that briefly dropped by their yard.  It is a top view, yet very clear to show the yellowish-green rump, white wing bars (which are faint due to photo angle) and eye ring, all consistent with a PINE WARBLER [Paruline des pins].  It is a relatively dull plumage to suggest either a male (maybe immature) or an adult female.  Gilles Belliveau was very helpful with this commentary.

 

**Richard Blacquiere’s finding of a female Eurasian Wigeon at Hampton lagoon has generated lots of interest. Brian Stone visited the site on Thursday. Unfortunately light did not cooperate but he did get more photos of it to add to the views and angles.

While there, Brian got photos of BUFFLEHEAD, GADWALL, COMMON GOLDENEYE, and TUKEY VULTURES. Note the female Common Goldeneye is just starting to take on the semi orange bill of breeding plumage.

He also sends a photo of a berry-laden shrub that appears to be BARBERRY. It seems untouched by birds and wonder about the palatability of this berry to birds if identification is correct.

 

** Wayne Corcoran in Chelmsford seems to operate the EVENING GROSBEAK [Gros-bec errant] capital of New Brunswick and has had them in good numbers for years when the numbers were very down.  At the moment, his Evening Grosbeak patrons are approximately at 50+.  He is getting lots of expected regulars, but BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] are also high in number at 25 to 30.

 

** Aldo Dorio came across 10 PINE GROSBEAKS [Durbec des sapins] on the Neguac wharf on Thursday; however, they were accompanied by 3 AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] this time.

 

** David Lilly leaves a list of patrons he is getting to his Oromocto yard to include 12 EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant], 2 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES [Sittelle à poitrine rousse], one DOWNY WOODPECKER [Pic mineur], one HAIRY WOODPECKER [Pic chevelu], 6 AMERICAN CROWS [Corneille d'Amérique], 12 PINE SISKINS [Tarin des pins], 4 BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu], 16 MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] and 6 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire].  That would seem to be the first group that would tend to look more to feeders as the weather cools.

 

** I was surprised to hear the seemingly weak but very audible hooting of a GREAT HORNED OWL from the deck of our Moncton home in the midst of an urban area, yet with ample tall mature trees.  It did seem like one individual coming from the same site.  It was calling at approximately 7:00 PM and did so several times before some neighbourhood dogs got into the act.  Turn up the volume and listen to the attached link.

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hjs4kq9ml6bwb3d/Barred%20Owl%20Clip%201%2C2%2C3.mp4?dl=0

 

 

** It’s Friday and time to review the next week’s Sky-at-a-Glace courtesy of sky-guru Curt Nason, with Jupiter and Saturn creeping to a few degrees of one another and Mars as well in the evening sky.  

 

This Week’s Sky at a Glance, 2020 November 21 – November 28
Like Nate the pirate in the Overboard comics, some people do not want to let go of summer. I usually don’t succumb to the cold right away, waiting for -10 C before my winter coat gets worn regularly. But you have to accept the inevitable, so around 8:30 pm this week don your coat and imagination to say goodbye to the summer constellations as they sink below the western horizon.

The first thing you might notice is the Summer Triangle, balanced on Altair and tipping to the right. Aquila the Eagle, with Altair at its head, is flapping furiously and futilely to stay above ground, a battle it will lose over two hours. To its right, Hercules is diving head first, hopefully into a lake. Between them, if you are in the country, you might see the haze of the Milky Way spilling over the ground, perhaps to become frost. Four smaller constellations form a line above Altair, highlighted by Lyra to the right with its brilliant star Vega. Foxy Vulpecula, Sagitta the Arrow and eye-catching Delphinus the Dolphin are balanced across the eagle’s wingspan. While you are at it, try for the triangular head of Equuleus the Little Horse, who leads his big brother Pegasus by a nose.

This Week in the Solar System    
Saturday’s sunrise in Moncton is at 7:28 am and sunset will occur at 4:40 pm, giving 9 hours, 12 minutes of daylight (7:31 am and 4:48 pm in Saint John).  Next Saturday the Sun will rise at 7:37 am and set at 4:36 pm, giving 8 hours, 59 minutes of daylight (7:40 am and 4:44 pm in Saint John).  

The Moon is at first quarter after midnight this Saturday night (12:45 Sunday morning), and it passes below Mars in the waxing gibbous phase on Wednesday. Jupiter creeps to within three degrees of Saturn over the week, setting around 8:30 pm midweek. Mars resembles a garnet gem among the dim stars of Pisces throughout the evening. Mercury remains visible in the morning sky, rising more than 75 minutes before sunrise to the lower left of Venus. The extended coma of comet C/2020 M3 ATLAS was a tough object to spot with a telescope in a suburban sky last weekend, but I also spotted C/2020 S3 Erasmus with binoculars as it passed through the constellation Corvus the Crow in the morning. By late week Erasmus will be directly below Spica and to the right of Venus.

With astronomy meetings and outreach activities on hold, you can watch the local Sunday Night Astronomy Show at 8 pm, and view archived shows, on YouTube at: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAEHfOWyL-kNH7dBVHK8spg

Questions? Contact Curt Nason at
nasonc@nbnet.nb.ca.

 

 nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton




EURASIAN WIGEON (FEMALE). NOV. 19, 2020.  BRIAN STONE

EURASIAN WIGEON (FEMALE). NOV. 19, 2020.  BRIAN STONE

EURASIAN WIGEON (FEMALE). NOV. 19, 2020.  BRIAN STONE

EURASIAN WIGEON AND AMERICAN WIGEON (FEMALES). NOV. 19, 2020. BRIAN STONE

PINE WARBLER. NOV 19, 2020.  MIKE SURETTE

PINE WARBLER. NOV 19, 2020.  MIKE SURETTE

PINE WARBLER. NOV 19, 2020.  MIKE SURETTE

PINE WARBLER. NOV 19, 2020.  MIKE SURETTE

BUFFLHEADS. NOV. 19, 2020. BRIAN STONE


COMMON GOLDENEYE (FEMALE). NOV. 19, 2020. BRIAN STONE

GADWALS AND MALLARD DUCKS. NOV. 19, 2020. BRIAN STONE

GADWAL (MALE). NOV. 19, 2020. BRIAN STONE
TURKEY VULTURE.  NOV. 19, 2020. BRIAN STONE


BARBERRY. NOV. 19, 2020. BRIAN STONE

Goodbye Summer

 



Thursday, 19 November 2020

Nov 19 2020



NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, November 19, 2020 (Thursday)  

 

To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor,  nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com .

 

Please advise the editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com  if any errors are noted in wording or photo labelling.


 For more information on Nature Moncton, check the website at
www.naturemoncton.com .

 

Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Transcript by: Brian Stone bjpstone@gmail.com

Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

 

 

** Another northern bird reports in. Ian McCabe photographed a NORTHERN HAWK OWL [Chouette épervière] on Monday in the area locals refer to as Folkin’s Ridge in an area north of the Miramichi River near Boiestown. Ian actually photographed the owl on gated, J.D. Irving property that is not open to the public, however we can report that one is in that area. Northern Hawk Owls, when they appear in New Brunswick, sometimes will stay in one area the whole winter once they decide on a winter territory so it is one to watch for in that general area. Also look closely at Ian’s photo to give a recall on what to watch for as more may appear at this time.

 

** Pat Gibbs spotted a pair of WOOD DUCKS [Canard branchu] at Centennial Park around noon on Wednesday. They were the only ones in a flock of MALLARD DUCKS [Canard colvert]. Pat got a photo of the sharply dressed male.

 

** Kathy Popma reports on some nice activity at her feeder yard and in the Sackville area. At her feeder yard the regular visitors are there, PINE SISKINS [Tarin des pins], AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune], BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire], RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES [Sittelle à poitrine rousse], WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES [Sittelle à poitrine blanche], a male NORTHERN CARDINAL [Cardinal rouge], MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste], and BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu]. Flitting around the neighborhood are PINE GROSBEAKS [Durbec des sapins] and EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant]. On Tuesday, on the High Marsh Rd., Kathy saw her first ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK [Buse pattue] of the season and a NORTHERN HARRIER [Busard des marais] plus 100 SNOW BUNTINGS [Bruant des neiges]. The large flock of BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS [Pluvier argenté], AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS [Pluvier bronzé], and PECTORAL SANDPIPERS [Bécasseau à poitrine cendrée] that Gilles Belliveau discovered many weeks ago in the fields below Fort Beausejour near the Aboiteau seem to be hanging in there still.

 

** Leigh Eaton had a gathering of at least a dozen birds enjoying their buffet when they left abruptly except for one HAIRY WOODPECKER [Pic chevelu]. The woodpecker stayed absolutely motionless for several minutes with good reason. A hawk flew into a spruce tree next door that was not posing well for a photo in the tree cover. It does have features to suggest a Cooper’s Hawk. The motionlessness of the woodpecker likely saved its life as escape would have been difficult if not impossible. He has enjoyed visits on 2 different days recently from a half dozen EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant] to his Moncton yard.

 

** Gordon Rattray had his first visit from EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant] in 2 years arrive on Wednesday to his Weldon feeder yard. Expected regulars are visiting and a BROWN CREEPER [Grimpereau brun] is back after 10 days elsewhere. Gordon comments that cold weather usually brings his Brown Creepers in for a snack.

 

** Aldo Dorio got some photos of approximately 30 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal] enjoying the pulp of apples that had dropped to the ground. This pulp was very likely dropped there by Pine Grosbeaks taking only the seeds and dropping the pulp. This will work well for the Bohemian Waxwings until a snow cover comes. American Robins would like these leftovers as well but there have not been widespread reports of robins overwintering as yet.

 

** Daryl Doucet had his pair of NORTHERN CARDINALS [Cardinal rouge] arrive right on their schedule of the last few days at 4:11 pm on Wednesday.

 

** At my own Moncton feeder yard it has been dripping with a beehive of activity from PINE SISKINS [Tarin des pins] and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES [Chardonneret jaune] with a few RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES [Sittelle à poitrine rousse], DOWNY WOODPECKERS [Pic mineur] and HAIRY WOODPECKERS [Pic chevelu], MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] and several HOUSE FINCHES [Roselin familier] but sparrows are at a premium still with 1 SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] and 1 AMERICAN TREE SPARROW [Bruant hudsonien]. It was a Pleasant surprise to have a male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL [Bec-croisé bifascié] drop by the water tray on Wednesday morning. The water has become a real magnet. I am hoping for Cardinals and Evening Grosbeaks still and I am expecting lots more sparrow activity as the season cools and with the white fluff we all know that will arrive.

 

There have been comments on many outlets with no black-oil sunflower seeds available. For those who did not get the recent Nature Moncton delivery I noticed Wednesday that the Mountain Rd. Power Center Walmart location had a large stock of it that was on a pallet in the aisle, not with the wild bird supplies, and the price was reasonable.   

 

 

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton




 

NORTHERN HAWK OWL. NOV. 16, 2020. IAN McCABE

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL (MALE). NOV 18, 2020. NELSON POIRIER 

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL (MALE). NOV 18, 2020. NELSON POIRIER 
WOOD DUCK (MALE) NOV 18, 2020. PAT GIBBS


COOPER'S HAWK (SUSPECTED). NOV. 18, 2020. LEIGH EATON
HAIRY WOODPECKER. NOV. 18, 2020. LEIGH EATON


AMERICAN TREE SPARROW. NOV 18, 2020. NELSON POIRIER

BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS. NOV 18, 2020.  ALDO DORIO

BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS. NOV 18, 2020.  ALDO DORIO

EVENING GROSBEAK (FEMALE). NOV 18, 2020. GORDON RATTRAY

EVENING GROSBEAK (MALE). NOV 18, 2020. GORDON RATTRAY

EVENING GROSBEAK. NOV 18, 2020. GORDON RATTRAY

MOOSE. (BULL). NOV. 16, 2020. IAN McCABE

MOOSE. (COW). NOV. 16, 2020. IAN McCABE

 

Wednesday, 18 November 2020

Nov 18 2020

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, November 18, 2020 (Wednesday)  

 

To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor,  nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com .

 

Please advise the editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com  if any errors are noted in wording or photo labelling.


 For more information on Nature Moncton, check the website at
www.naturemoncton.com .

 

Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Transcript by: Brian Stone bjpstone@gmail.com

Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

 

 

** A big thank you to Johnathan Cormier for sharing his knowledge of Coyotes of New Brunswick with us on Tuesday evening. He surely made us understand this member of Mother Nature’s community a lot better and respect them as we do other wildlife. Unfortunately there was not permission to record this presentation from the Fish and Wildlife branch and I’m not sure if those who joined late were able to get in.

 

** In recent years we are seeing more Eurasian Wigeons in New Brunswick with the male easy to differentiate from the male American Wigeon, however that is not the case with the females where American Wigeon females and Eurasian Wigeon females are very similar. That query comes up fairly regularly if a female wigeon may potentially be a Eurasian Wigeon or not as we would have to assume that there are some females indeed out there.

 Richard Blacquiere has been noting a duck at the Hampton lagoon for the last few days and on Monday morning it finally cooperated for some photographs. The cinnamon brown head, the grayish tones to the back and sides of the breast, and grayish underneath the wings (auxiliaries) all point to a female Eurasian Wigeon. It also appeared slightly smaller when next to an American Wigeon. There is scant documentary evidence for females in New Brunswick so it is something to watch for when encountering a flock of wigeons.

 

** Grant Ramsey spotted a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS [Harle couronné] on the pond at Royal Oaks golf course on Tuesday. He comments that they were really not in a posing for photographs mood but he did get some photos showing the male already in bright breeding plumage ready for what may seem like a long way away … spring!

 

** Daryl Doucet was disappointed that the male NORTHERN CARDINAL [Cardinal rouge] on Sunday did not return on Monday but that all changed on Tuesday when it returned and brought a female with it. It is indeed notable the number of pairs that are showing up. Daryl comments that his cardinal patrons seem to slip in near dusk. His feeders were very active on Tuesday with the 2 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS [Carouge à épaulettes] from an earlier edition still there as well as a good number of EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant].

 

** Elaine Gallant asked to remind folks how easy it is now to join and pay membership to Nature Moncton with e-transfers now for those who wish and Elaine asks to remind people that the email address for e-transfers is naturemonctontreasurer2020@gmail.com.

 

 

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton




 

EURASIAN WIGEON (FEMALE SUSPECTED). NOV 17, 2020.  RICHARD BLAQUIERE


EURASIAN WIGEON (FEMALE SUSPECTED). NOV 17, 2020.  RICHARD BLAQUIERE

HOODED MERGANSER (MALE). NOV 17, 2020.  GRANT RAMSAY

HOODED MERGANSER (PAIR). NOV 17, 2020.  GRANT RAMSAY

HOODED MERGANSER (PAIR). NOV 17, 2020.  GRANT RAMSAY

HOODED MERGANSER (PAIR). NOV 17, 2020.  GRANT RAMSAY

NORTHERN CARDINAL (FEMALE). NOV 17, 2020.  DARYL DOUCET

 
NORTHERN CARDINAL (MALE). NOV 17, 2020.  DARYL DOUCET

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Nov 17 2020

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, Nov. 17, 2020 (Tuesday)

  

Please advise editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com if any errors are noted in wording or photo labeling.

For more information on Nature Moncton, check into the website at
www.naturemoncton.com

Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Transcript by: Susan Richards susan_richards@rogers.com

Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com.

**Last call for the November Nature Moncton meeting on tonight with a presentation on Coyotes in New Brunswick.  Several have sampled the link to click on to join the meeting and all except one, that had an additional step.  Click on the (Ask to join) box when it comes up after approximately 30 seconds and we are all hoping that will let everyone who wishes, to join in. This is a very important test on the road to getting this virtual necessity to work as long as the present scenario lasts.  To join, click on the link below.  Hope to ‘see’ lots of at 7 o’clock tonight.

 

https://meet.google.com/qfi-pije-vgh

 

**The SNOW BUNTING [Bruant des neiges] arrivals continue to favour beach areas.  Jane Leblanc notes there is a small flock of 6 to 8 Snow Buntings on the St. Martin’s beach most days although there was very little beach area with the high New Moon tides on Monday which will continue well into this week.

 

**Yes, it is still November but planning for next spring is in progress.  Chief Swallow Box engineer Fred Richards has the raw materials ready to start assembly of SWALLOW [Hirondelle] boxes to be ready for free distribution during the winter to be up and ready for prospective new occupants when they arrive in April 2021.  This project has provided lots of new real estate over the past 4 years with lots of takers.  Put them up and the birds will come!  Other species such as BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE [Mésange à tête noire], EASTERN BLUEBIRD [Merlebleu de l'Est] and FLYING SQUIRREL [Grand polatouche] have also found them to their liking.  It is time to have potential new sites for new ones in mind to be erected with the nest boxes available for delivery in the early months of 2021.

Rumours are that some bat houses could be available as well.    

 

 

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton

 

SNOW BUNTING. NOV. 16, 2020. JANE LEBLANC

NATURE MONCTON 2021 SWALLOW NEST BOXES IN THE ROUGH. NOV 15, 2020. FRED RICHARDS